Colonoscopy-Advice Needed

[H256]

Hey all,

I have a colonoscopy coming up and been sent my prep ready for the day before but I am more worried about the prep than the colonoscopy as when I am going to the loo (stools) it is extremely painful as it burns and I am in tears some times when it is a loose stool with the burning.

I know obviously this will come through me like no tomorrow but I am extremely worried about the burning as I know this will happen

Any tips or advice to try avoid this burning??

I am booked in for a Monday and debating fasting from the Friday night but not sure if that’s a good idea

Any tips or advice will be amazing!!

Thank you guys & sorry for the long post

[Sheeniejay]

I had a colonscopy last year. I didn't have burning but you're right, the 'emptying' is very intense. I would not fast for so long - you need food to function. Follow the advice of the prep exactly. I hated the prep - I felt dreadful - but I knew it was short-term and that I had to do it. You will feel weak after the whole process but that's understandable. In total it's 3 days out of your usual world, so to speak. There's some tips though (mentions getting soothing cream, soft toilet paper/wipes etc) please check the one about adding flavouring/sweetener to the drink with your pharmacist - the prep I had was flavoured anyway (never going to forget what it tasted like!): virtua.org/articles/6-tips-.... I'm not sure why you have burning sensation - is this related to IBS or is it something you eat? Anyway, try to focus on the fact that it's just 3 days - one day prep, one day procedure and rest, one day resting the day afterwards - And DO schedule in a day of nice, calm resting. Get in something you like eating, plan something to watch on TV, or something to read, imagine some warm blankets, cushions on the sofa. I hope it all goes okay for you.

[Maureen1958]

Hi, I used to have IBS-D more when I was younger and when I had that and went to the toilet several times a day, I used to get burning too. I put it down to stomach acid reaching the bowel. My own theory! The only thing I can suggest that maybe might help is sipping some water in order to dilute the acid, if that is what it is. I used to have a small amount of milk but, of course, you would not be allowed that.

[Eastbourne11]

Terrible stuff. I found Sudocrem from Boots very soothing, use it even before you start with the drink. Any nappy rash cream would be the same I imagine. Good kuck

[H256]

Hiya all thanks for the advice!!

I haven’t had a diagnosis as that’s what the camera is for, I am dreading the whole process and lucky the camera is on a Monday so will be prepping on weekend & booked the next day off!

Again thank you all I’ll look into all of this!

[sweetsusie]

Your post didn't come across to me until your colonoscopy is over, I believe, but next time you do a prep for one, buy a box of "Tucks." They are great for the burning you are talking about. Also, Desitin is good, but a little messy.

[Katerina1 in reply to sweetsusie]

Hello Sweetsusie, Wondering what 'Tucks' are - they sound very useful. Haven't come across Desitin either.

I use vaseline when prepping for a colonoscopy. Apply before even starting the prep. I once heard of a lady who was given a topical numbing cream for the burning before a colonoscopy.

[sweetsusie in reply to Katerina1]

That's a really good idea! Desitin is actually a diaper rash medication, but I have used it for the burning..works great!

[H256 in reply to sweetsusie]

Hiya it isn’t until Feb 4th so all Info is handy!! What is tucks ? I will look into this

Also Katrina, do you know where she has got this cream from? I will look into this

Thank you

[sweetsusie in reply to H256]

Tucks are a product that is sold in most grocery stores or drug stores. They are a little, thin pad that you put between your butt cheeks....by your anus (sorry to be so graphic!!). They will sooth that area and stop the burning.

[H256 in reply to sweetsusie]

Thanks for this!! Nothing is too graphic I’ll have to have a look see is they have them in UK

[Katerina1 in reply to H256]

Hello, I just saw it mentioned on a website.I believe her gastroenterologist prescribed it as her burning re colonoscopy prep was so bad. It didn't mention what it was, but I would love to have some.

[H256 in reply to Katerina1]

Ok thank you I may call the booking team and query this as cannot get through to a consultant or dr